PATRIOT Act Renewal: Republicans Suddenly Think Big Government Is No Problemo

Traitors to liberty

Youtube

I just listened to Sen. Dan Coats, a Republican from Indiana and purported "Tea Party favorite," explaining on the Senate floor why opponents of warrantless spying are fools:

A portion of the public has been led to believe that big government is in their bedroom, it's in their house, it's in their car, it's in their phone, it tracks them wherever they go, they're collecting everything about yourself, what you buy at Costco, the movies you rent through Netflix…

I thought the Republicans were the ones who agreed big government was indeed a bad thing? Was not the purpose of the Tea Party movement to elect Republicans who were more vigorous and consistent in their opposition to big government?

And yet Coats—and many of his Republican colleagues—are joining with President Obama and Democratic leadership to continue to deprive Americans of their constitutional liberties.

Whether Sen. Rand Paul's brave stand succeeds or not, this sorry episode should serve as yet another unfortunate reminder that nearly all politicians who claim to take the side of the American people against unchecked federal power will eventually break our hearts.

Check back at Reason for the latest news on the PATRIOT Act vote.

Comments

[Notorious G.K.C.]

Charles C. W. Cooke denounces privacy violations by the NSA and the IRS.

Source: National Review

bit.ly/1JflzUh

[Old Man With Candy]

Followed by an Andrew McCarthy hit piece. NR just loves the National Security State. Cooke is the only person there with even a glimmer that it's constitution-shredding grade A bullshit.

[Grand Moff Serious Man]

Yes but he's still enthralled with Marco Rubio's candidacy.

[Old Man With Candy]

And today's Rand-hate from the semi-official Republican Party house organ:

Memo to Senator Paul: Just go away. Please. Now.

[hpearce]

Debate is limited, what action can Paul take now to throw a wrench into things ?

[C. Anacreon]

Literally throwing a wrench might stir things up, especially if it beans one or more specific Senators.

[Andrew S.]

Maybe we can see an all-out brawl like we sometimes see from Asian legislatures.

[Libertarian]

I'd consider that progress. It would mean congressmen actually believed in what they were saying, rather than just posturing.

[Lady Bertrum]

This offers a fine litmus test for Republican candidates.

"Do you support the renewal of the PA?"

Yes? Fuck off.

No? Let's talk.

[Spiny Norman]

Why would a co-author of the Communications Decency Act be a Tea Party favorite?

[SIV]

Click on the link. Robbie gets his political news from George Stephanopoulos.

[SIV]

Coats wasn't the "Tea Party favorite" in the GOP Senate primary for Bayh's seat. He was the establishment RNC candidate, a retired lawmaker, a lobbyist and moved back to Indiana to "take out" the Tea Party.

Nor was he the "SoCon's favorite.

John Hostettler was both.

He was endorsed by Ron Paul, Dick Armey, Tom Tancredo and the Republican Liberty Caucus.

Coats won the nom with 40% because the more right wing candidates split the conservative vote.

[Francisco d'Anconia]

Why would a co-author of the Communications Decency Act be a Tea Party favorite?

Because the Tea Party was hijacked by socons?

[Heroic Mulatto]

It wasn't the so-cons as much as the HANDS OFF MY MEDICARE! curmudgeons.

[Cytotoxic]

I thought it was more the anti-immigration nutbars.

[Heroic Mulatto]

Birds of a feather and all that.

[Cytotoxic]

They emphasize different things. The SoCons think that gays getting married is pants-shitter #1, whereas the nativists think it's Pedro the Pool Cleaner. They both lie-at H&R as much as anywhere-and I am sure they'd lie their way into the TP too.

[SIV]

SoCons #1 issue is abortion. There was no SoCon voting block until after Roe v. Wade. Nativists and the Tea Party overlap because uncontrolled immigration increases government spending. Coats was never the Tea Party favorite, see my comments above.

[Cytotoxic]

Nativists and the Tea Party overlap because uncontrolled immigration increases government spending

No it doesn't and 'uncontrolled immigration' only describes the US immigration status quo in an alternate universe.

[mr lizard]

This puny upstart mammal has been found to be amusing, and been awarded an amount of otherwise useless currency by Your Future Reptilian Overlords

[Sevo]

"A portion of the public has been led to believe that big government is in their bedroom, it's in their house, it's in their car, it's in their phone, it tracks them wherever they go, they're collecting everything about yourself, what you buy at Costco, the movies you rent through Netflix?"

So "a portion of the public" is aware of what the government is doing? And he prefers they didn't know?

[grrizzly]

"they're collecting everything about yourself, what you buy at Costco"

Hey, I claimed this first. Where's my hat tip?

[Goosnarl]

He should change his first name to "Turn".

[C. Anacreon]

If he was a Representative, he'd be Member of the House Coates.

[Hamster of Doom]

If his mother was Norwegian, he'd be a Quisling.

[Goosnarl]

He should change his first name to "Turn".

[Hugh Akston]

I thought the Republicans were the ones who agreed big government was indeed a bad thing?

Yeah but if we don't vote for every Republican in every election, it will be Democrats voting to renew the Patriot Act. Democrats Robby.

[Andrew S.]

So the cloture vote passes overwhelmingly. I'm fucking shocked.

[Hamster of Doom]

Suave's a little hot under the collar. I find it very easy to picture him yelling at the television before stomping off to bang out this article in revenge.

[Lady Bertrum]

Possibly, he should bang some thing else in revenge?

[Hamster of Doom]

You thinking what I'm thinking?

Coz I'm thinking shots.

[Cytotoxic]

OT: Russia said abandoning Assad as Syria regime collapses further

http://www.ynetnews.com/articl.....72,00.html

[Brochettaward]

So, where is the list of Senators who sold out Paul on their votes and those who voted no?

[Andrew S.]

Haven't found it, but according to Julian Sanchez the no votes were Paul and all of the pro-surveillance senators who think we should extend/expand the PATRIOT Act as is.

[Brochettaward]

So, it ended up basically the entire Senate against Paul. That's some impressive shilling.

Most of the Dems who stood with Paul for the filibuster sold him out.

[Andrew S.]

All of them did. All 17 no votes were from Team Red. I'm sure those Dem senators will vote "No" on the final bill, like that makes a difference at this point.

Goddammit. I actually had hope this time.

[Old Man With Candy]

Why would you? This is the Republican party.

[Cytotoxic]

It was factions of the Dem party that we thought might vote correctly.

[Andrew S.]

Via Sanchez's twitter feed, here were the "No" votes. As above, it was Paul and the pro-surveillance Senators.

[Libertarian]

"the world's greatest deliberative body"

[Invisible Finger]

It's high school with tax payer money. All popularity and cliques. Paul is one of those weirdos who actually wants to use the institution for its actual stated purpose.

[Cytotoxic]

So did we at least get something good with the Freedom Act Passage?

[Brochettaward]

No. They aren't going to stop shit. It's going to happen just like Paul is now saying. Every reform of the bulk collection is nothing more than to appease people in the wake of the leaks.

There is nothing in the 'Freedom Act' that will prevent bulk collection.

[Libertarian]

Will somebody clue me in? I thought there was a court decision a week or two ago against bulk collection.

[Brochettaward]

The Freedom Act is going to switch who holds bulk records to phone carriers, but there's no limit or change to how warrants are issued. So, basically, the NSA can still keep getting general warrants under the new act from the phone carriers.

It changes nothing.

[Cytotoxic]

I think who holds the records is really important. Easier to destroy in the hands of the phone carriers.

[Invisible Finger]

And if the carrier tells the gov't to fuck off, the gov't can't just take over the phone company because then it would be unconstitutionally be bulk collecting.

We'll one up with one ass-kissing phone company. Until Rand Paul becomes CEO of it.

[Libertarian]

thanks. that was much easier than googling. (which, of course, would be subject to bulk collection)

[Jerry on the sea]

Now you see, telcos will be doing the data collection, and since there is no expectation of privacy when using these parties, it all will work out dandy.

[Cytotoxic]

May there be many 'accidents' at these Telcos. May they have many waiting Snowdens in the employee ranks.

[Brochettaward]

Everything Paul is highlighting about the Patriot Acts issues? The other assholes in the room overwhelmingly see those as features.

[Comrade F. Stupidity, Jr.]

You guys! What about security? In a perfect world, I'd be right there with you. But these are dangerous times, moreso than ever. 9/11 changed everything. God bless America. Boston Strong.

Now let's all bow our heads in baleful contemplation while a missing man formation flies overhead and a trained eagle swoops in to sit on the president's shoulder.

/douche

[Andrew S.]

BUT NINE ELEVEN! NINE ELEVEN! OR NINE ONE ONE ACCORDING TO THE DOUCHEBAG SENATOR FROM INDIANA! WHY DO YOU HATE 'MURICA, YOU TRAITOR?

[Heroic Mulatto]

Even a simple game of Minesweeper will never be the same.

[Raven Nation]

http://tinyurl.com/Lois-Griffin-nails-it

[Libertarian]

Everytime - every time! - I see the phrase Boston Strong, I think of how the citizens of a large American city huddled in their houses so that police could shut down the city (except for the donut shops) in order to track down a seriously wounded kid who was hiding in a boat on a trailer.

[Rhywun]

I think of how the citizens of a large American city huddled in their houses

What were they going to do, resist? BLAM BLAM BLAM!

[Andrew S.]

Or running in fear at a few Lite Brites. 1-31-07 never forget.

[Brochettaward]

Paul actually just said that he thinks there are people hoping there will be an attack so they can blame him.

Just pointed out how ridiculous it is that the Senate violates its own rules to pass bills or votes for 'exceptions' when called on it.

[Andrew S.]

I've been thinking that myself. I'm absolutely positive McCain, Cotton, and all of those pro-surveillance senators would just love there to be an attack, so they could say "I told you so"and give the government even more powers.

[Libertarian]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: we are one semi-successful terrorist attack away from going Full Fascist.

[Cytotoxic]

That's why it's so essential that we keep blowing up the terrorists who hate us for our freedoms. If America had taken OBL seriously and cleansed Afghanistan in 1999, there'd be no 9/11 and no Patriot Act.

[Sevo]

"[...]If America had taken OBL seriously and cleansed Afghanistan in 1999, there'd be no 9/11 and no Patriot Act."

I'll bet you clapped your hands three times and therefore are certain that's true.
Bullshit.

[Cytotoxic]

I applied logic and reasoning. You'd try it if plaques hadn't eaten most of your cerebral cortex. Now take your Mucilex and go away.

[Sevo]

Cytotoxic|5.31.15 @ 9:40PM|#
"I applied logic and reasoning."

Is that what they call magic in the north?
You did nothing of the sort; now go ask mommy for your bottle, asshole.

[Cytotoxic]

It must suck to be the only commenter that can make others sympathize with Tony when you 'argue' with him. That might explain the anger. That and the neurodegeneration.

[Sevo]

Cytotoxic|5.31.15 @ 11:46PM|#
"It must suck to be the only commenter that can make others sympathize with Tony when you 'argue' with him."

It must suck to be a fucking ignoramus.
Go ask you mommy for your bottle, you slimy piece of shit.

[nuffcedmcgreevey]

Is this where we are supposed to be surprised to learn that the GOP loves big government, and did all along?

[Palin's Buttplug]

I thought the Republicans were the ones who agreed big government was indeed a bad thing?

Cmon, Robby. Where were you during 2001-2007? The GOP loves Big Government.

Rand Paul is sometimes the exception.

[Andrew S.]

Shriek derp de derp. Derp de derpity derpy derp. Until one day, the derpa derpa derpaderp. Derp de derp da teedily dumb. From the creators of Der, and Tum Ta Tittaly Tum Ta Too, Shriek is Da Derp Dee Derp Da Teetley Derpee Derpee Dumb. Rated PG-13.

[Palin's Buttplug]

I'm not a Peanut Idiot who keeps voting for Team Red hoping they suddenly become limited government advocates.

[Cytotoxic]

No you're a peanut idiot who keeps shrilling for Team Blue and is possibly Tulpa.

[Palin's Buttplug]

I have NEVER "shrilled" (sic) for team Blue even once. I HAVE supported Obama since 2008 because I knew he would keep us out of absurd nation-building wars like the GOP wants (add Iran to their list).

Obama has saved us trillions by not being a Bushpig.

[Sevo]

Palin's Buttplug|5.31.15 @ 8:06PM|#
"I have NEVER "shrilled" (sic) for team Blue even once."
Lying turd.

"Obama has saved us trillions by not being a Bushpig."
Lying turd.
Fuck off.

[Hamster of Doom]

Shrill's a word, buy a thesaurus, bugger off, BUUUUUTTPPLLUUUUUGGG.

[Sevo]

Palin's Buttplug|5.31.15 @ 7:56PM|#
"I'm not a Peanut Idiot"{

You're a lying POS.
Fuck off.

[Brochettaward]

Oh, now Wyden is up to talk about why he is a pussy.

[Heroic Mulatto]

After 9/11, in the united states, it became the social normal to sell off your daughters as slaves or concubines when going through tough times. i'm sorry that i had to put you up for adoption, and i hope one day you will forgive me. understand that the 4,000 dollars you were worth will get your mother and i out of hardship. i did not stop loving you and i don't think i ever will, you are forever in my hearts and i pray you find a safe home. when the time is right and my wallet is in good standing, i WILL find you. sleep softly, my princess.

[Agile Cyborg]

Oh man, that's fucking beautiful baby MU.

[Heroic Mulatto]

i cri evertim

[Agile Cyborg]

Mulatto talkin

[Cytotoxic]

He wants amendments to be an option, which means this legislation will have to go back to the House for approval. So the three surveillance tools that had a sunset deadline tonight are actually going to sunset. Wave goodbye to Section 215 and mass collection of Americans' telephone metadata.

FUCK YES. I was under the impression that The Bad Guys won! SUCK IT MCCAIN.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Paul's partner in pushing forward reform and blocking reauthorization of Section 215, is on the floor now continuing the argument against mass data collection.

"Partner". Right. Paul sack him.

[Brochettaward]

The bill will expire temporarily. They DID win. You basically get the weekend and then it will pass next week. The vote tonight allowed it to pass without debate - which means without amendments.

[Cytotoxic]

Even expiring temporarily is something. Doesn't it need to go through the House next week?

[Libertarian]

This shows how important John Kerry's abilities are: he's going home because he can't do his job in a cast?!

The diplomat was biking near Scionzier, France before the accident, which caused him to scrap the rest of a four-nation trip that included an international conference on combating the Islamic State group.

http://pjmedia.com/eddriscoll/.....eg-biking/

[SusanM]

He got Swiftbiked,

[Agile Cyborg]

Or Brokeleg mountained?

[Hamster of Doom]

Tonya Harding did it again.

[Agile Cyborg]

20 year-old Tonya can break my fucking dick anytime she wants as long as mama Tonya can find a time machine to crawl into because mama Tonya of now is truTV what the motherfucking brain suck.

[DK]

Every one of those 77 senators implicitly believe the Freedom Act is better than nothing, whether they ultimately vote for it or not. Fuck them, and that means you, too, Wyden. And, fuck the other 16 pro-surveillance senators. That leaves Paul and I guess 6 who abstained.

[Akira]

So is anyone here planning to vote for Rand if he gets the nomination?

I can agree with most of his political positions, and I'm definitely impressed by this ferocious stand against the surveillance state. His popularity could be a sign that the liberty-oriented faction of the Republicans are gaining ground... On the other hand, he might just be doing this to woo lowercase-L libertarians away from the Libertarian Party. I mean, there's the possibility that he'll be like Obama and just go back on his word and stated principles as soon as he sits down in that big chair. I just don't know.

[Agile Cyborg]

Rand Paul or nothing.

[Cytotoxic]

I mean, there's the possibility that he'll be like Obama and just go back on his word and stated principles as soon as he sits down in that big chair. I just don't know.

That seems like a very low probability considering Rand's voting record.

[Francisco d'Anconia]

So is anyone here planning to vote for Rand if he gets the nomination?

I plan on voting for Rand even if he doesn't get the nomination.

[Agile Cyborg]

Concur. No other option is viable. Freedom first.

[Cytotoxic]

I think Cruz is worth further consideration.

[Invisible Finger]

I'm voting for Rand Paul for every single office - federal state and local.

[Robert]

And yet Coats?and many of his Republican colleagues?are joining with President Obama and Democratic leadership to continue to deprive Americans of their constitutional liberties.

That may be true, but what you quoted just says he's skeptical that such depriv'ns are taking place.

[Agile Cyborg]

Wind minds fly above fires in the great mantra.
seek american fruitbangs

vote the freest mind by stars and
equate rockets in the planets with greatest muscle... what electable human can commandeer the greatest space fleet in space? Can the great minds that lead planets be trusted with elegant bigbangs tech? yea, so ........

[Brian]

Suddenly?

[pronomian]

The headline is a bit confusing. It implies they have, at least for a time, been small gov't types. Repubs are just as desirous of a big gov't as the dems are. They just want to be intrusive and interventionist in different ways than the dems. They are the heads and the dems are the tails of the same political coin. Working together separately for the same ends.